In his victory speech, Labour's Andy Burnham said the result 'could be a turning point' and that people had 'voted for change, they have voted for more power for the north and everywhere forgotten by Westminster'. He said this was Labour's 'final chance to change'. 'There will be no second chance but it is a chance now from this result tonight to build a new politics based on unity and hope, turning away from the path that takes us to a divided politics of the kind we see in the United States'.
Andy Burnham wins huge majority in Makerfield byelection
The victory paves the way for a leadership challenge against Keir Starmer. Burnham's emphatic win in the Makerfield byelection has been seen as a significant boost for his political ambitions. The result has been described as a 'turning point' for Labour, with Burnham calling for a new politics based on unity and hope.
Explore more on these topics: Makerfield byelection, Andy Burnham, Greater Manchester, Labour party leadership, Keir Starmer, North of England.
